The Western Cape province has welcomed its new Minister of Education, David Maynier to the sector.
Taking office on Monday 16 May, following Debbie Schäfer’s resignation to take up an opportunity in the UK, Maynier started his term with a Listening and Learning Programme that aimed to develop a set of priorities and set a new direction to prepare students better for the world of work.
Maynier says he has immense respect for the principals, teachers, practitioners and officials that make up the education sector.
“They have achieved so much in a very difficult period,” he pointed out, “and I want to make sure we improve on the strong foundation they have built and take it forward.”
He said it is important to listen, to learn and to be open to new ideas that will help deliver quality education to learners.
“So I will be embarking on a programme of listening and learning with stakeholders both inside and outside the Education Department in the Western Cape.”
Maynier added he will engage with staff at public schools, independent schools, special-needs schools, early childhood development centres, the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) Head Office and district offices, unions, school governing body associations, public representatives, public interest groups and other important stakeholders in the sector.
“I will also seek to bring business closer to education, so the outcomes we achieve are aligned with the needs of our economy.
“During my Listening and Learning Programme I have three key questions for our stakeholders: . What works? . What needs improvement? . What recommendations do you have for improving the quality of education our students receive?”
Maynier concluded that learners should receive the best-quality education and he was looking forward to receiving support from all stakeholders in the sector in the bid to take it forward.
